The Uncensored Household
Who can say regardez-moi, the loudest? On one monsoon evening in Delhi two of Indian fashion’s most entertaining designers presented their couture collections. Both have strong associations with Paris but the words chalk and cheese were never more relevant. The first was Ritu Beri, India’s 80s Paris-trained girl wonder whose show included a live band and a couple of designers she worked in collaboration with.
Before mean old Mount Vesuvius erupted and engulfed Pompeii it was an exquisite, sophisticated city and home to some of the Roman period’s best arts and crafts. Pompeii provided the romantic backdrop to veteran Indian designer Suneet Varma’s bridal couture collection entitled ‘The Golden Bracelet’. There weren’t too many gold bracelets on display, however, there was a stunning gold bust that I absolutely must get my hands on.. it looks about my size…
Remember when Big and Carrie got married in Sex And The City? The second attempt, that is…the understated but elegant vintage outfit and small registry…That is the opposite of what was on offer for the gal that nothing short of fairytale and fantasy would do. Both Ashima Leena and Rohit Bal showed bridal collections for princess brides albeit from slightly different inspirational eras.
One of the few Indian designers that can include mega international celebrities on his client list, Rohit Bal’s bridal collection was entitled The Mulmul Masquerade.
If every Englishman’s home is his castle then every Indian’s wardrobe is his or her majestic palace such is the dominance of royal inspiration in Indian design. Couturier Raghvendra Rathore belongs to the royal family of Jodhpur (also known as the blue city) and thus has a vast archive of influences to draw from.
The press notes cite the 1920s as inspiration and this was clear in the pretty and attention-grabbing accessories.
Charming and dapper young design duo, Shantanu & Nikhil presented their couture collection titled ‘To Die For’ aiming to capture the decadent renaissance in its most contemporary form with an emphasis on the different shades of gold. The sheer strength and buying power in the Indian bridal market renders it irresistible
Potentially visible from space, in a few days time Delhi will overflow with glamour, sparkles and celebrities as two couture weeks begin back to back. Indian couture is synonymous with bridal wear except this season India Bridal Fashion Week will showcase before PCJ Delhi Couture Week (PCJ is a jewellery company and the main sponsor).
One of the reigning kings of Indian couture, JJ Valaya,
Over at Rajesh Pratap Singh’s show the catwalk had been transformed into an Autumnal woodland. Rajesh Pratap Singh is the current brand ambassador for Woolmark and the show was sponsored by them.
The ground lay strewn with rust coloured foliage and bleak trees glowed with pod lights. The effect was magical.
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